I learned to reject the dark, to reject the inner, to reject feelings and sensations, to reject intuition and instinct. I learned to reject an entire realm of my true existence.

I learned, as so many of us did when we were young and growing into young people, women and men, that darkness is associated with things we should avoid. Darkness was lumped together with what we believe to be bad. Yet the dark is rich soil where seeds sprout then steadily and sturdily push through to the light. Darkness brings life and light. Darkness nourishes. Darkness is where ancient things have been hidden until it is safe to return again to the world of light. Darkness is incredibly rich and beautiful.